Triangle Pass - 21.0 Miles Round-Trip

Triangle Pass is located 10.5 miles from Conundrum Creek Trailhead in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. It spans a small notch in the west valley wall above Conundrum Hot Springs, with terrific views and continuing passage to Crested Butte (Gothic), Copper Basin and East Maroon Pass.

While the Conundrum Creek Trail is among the most heavily traveled in Aspen, few continue two miles beyond the hot springs to the pass, which is removed from more popular backpacking routes such as the 4-Pass Loop and West Maroon Creek Trail to Crested Butte.

Triangle Pass offers comparable scenery without crowds. The hike in is distinguished by expansive meadows, aspen groves and moderate grades to the Hot Springs.

Travel steepens into the capacious upper valley topped by Cathedral Peak (13,943'), Conundrum Peak (14,022') and Castle Peak (14,265'), which share a similar geologic make-up and appearance to Maroon Bells (also visible from the pass). Visitors will enjoy miles of open valley travel and lightly used backpacking route options from Triangle Pass.

Important Camping Update: Conundrum Hot Springs will be transitioning to a permit-only system in 2018. All overnight users will be required to purchase and carry a permit when camping between Silver Dollar Pond and Triangle Pass.

The trail dips and rises across open space that funnels into conifer and aspen along the creek (1.0 miles : 8,970'). It emerges in a small meadow at 1.75 miles, then the first of several major meadows at 1.85 miles (9,240').

Travel is quick to a bridge leading to the west side of the creek (2.75 miles : 9,390'). The bridge is elevated and narrow - consider crossing in the water if slick or carrying a heavy pack. Mild grades continue across a second large meadow at 3.85 miles (9,550'), past which it steepens on rugged terrain above a deep gorge in the valley (4.5 miles).

The trail enters a third major meadow at 4.8 miles that stretches to a bridge leading east to the Silver Ponds (6.0 miles : 10,240'). Dogs are not permitted beyond this point.

The trail skirts marshy ponds to a marked creek ford back to the west side (6.55 miles : 10,320'). The ford can be voluminous at peak runoff, but is generally safe and easy. The trail opens across a talus field with your first clear view of the upper valley (7.2 miles : 10,455').

It steepens away in a cluttered forest to a sign on the hot springs perimeter (8.15 miles : 10,965'). Camping is only permitted in designated sites beyond this point, and fires are not permitted. There are several campsites just before this sign along the creek where fires are still permitted.

The trail hops a creek braid and opens past designated sites to the split for Conundrum Hot Springs and Triangle Pass (8.48 miles : 11,195'). The springs are just 100 yards away over the creek, and the main trail continues right past the last designated sites and clears treeline.

Here the valley truly opens with expanding views across the entire drainage. Grades steepen through willow mats that give way to rolling meadows. Scan this vast area for elk and goats as you go.

The trail climbs in short steep spurts with several deliberate bends toward the west valley wall (9.5 miles : 12,045'). There's a saddle on the valley headwall (due south) that appears to be your destination, but in fact that's Coffee Pot Pass.

The trail edges closer to the west wall before turning sharply up switchbacks across loose scree and till to Triangle Pass (10.5 miles : 12,919'). The pass is an unassuming col high on the valley wall, with panoramic views across Conundrum Valley. Maroon Bells and a line of peaks in the Elk Range can be seen to the north and west, where the trail tilts down a winding path to Copper Basin and on to Gothic north of Crested Butte.

Worth Noting

Trailhead parking is very limited and often full. Arrive early to secure a space. Overflow parking is available on Castle Creek Road, a little over one mile away. Be mindful of private property on the trailhead access road - cars will be ticketed and/or towed.

Camping and Backpacking Information

Overnight permits for the Conundrum Creek Valley are released according to the following schedule:

Overnight permits for April 1 - July 31: 8a on February 15th

Overnight permits for August 1 - November 30 are available at 8a on June 15th

Overnight permits for December 1 - March 31 are available at 8a on October 15th

Once released, permits may be reserved online up to the day of the trip.

The maximum length of stay from June 1-September 1 is three nights. There is a seven night maximum stay the rest of the year.

A person is limited to two permits in a calendar year.

Backcountry Camping

Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Self-registration permits are available at each trailhead and/or Wilderness Boundary. There is no fee or limit to the number of permits issued. Backpackers must carry a completed registration form with them for the duration of the trip.

Camping is prohibited within 100' of any trail, lake or stream. Group size is limited to 10 individuals (or 15 with people + stock).

There are 16 designated sites in the Conundrum Hot Springs vicinity (first come, first served). The sites are clearly marked. Camping is not permitted elsewhere in this same area. If occupied, there are many sites down valley (and still very close).

Due to heavy use, campfires are not permitted at the 16 designated sites in the Conundrum Hot Springs vicinity. Stoves only. Fire restriction lines are clearly marked and enforced.

Campfires are otherwise permitted in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, with potential seasonal restrictions. Campfires are not permitted above or within .25 miles (440 yards) of treeline, or within 100' of any trail, lake or stream. Location-specific restrictions may also apply.

Contact the Aspen Ranger District (970.925.3445) for the latest weather, trail conditions and trail-specific guidelines when planning your trip.

Fishing Information

Fishing is permitted along Conundrum Creek with a valid Colorado fishing license.

Rules and Regulations

Dogs must be leashed at all times in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness. Dogsare not permitted past the 6.0 mile bridge crossing that leads to the Silver Dollar Pond area. A sign clearly marks this point.

Due to heavy use, campfires are not permitted in the Conundrum Hot Springs vicinity. Stoves only. Signs clearly mark where backpackers must use designated sites that have fire restrictions. Illegal fires carry a $325+ fine. See Camping and Backpacking for more details.

Directions to Trailhead

The Conundrum Creek Trailhead is located off of Castle Creek Road south of Aspen CO.

From the roundabout 1 mile NW of town, take Castle Creek Road 4.8 miles south to Conundrum Creek Road. Bear right, then keep left on the dirt road for one mile to the trailhead. The road is narrow in places - be mindful of oncoming traffic. The road is graded and suitable for 2WD cars.

If the lot is full, use overflow parking on Castle Creek Road around the Conundrum Creek Road turnoff. This adds a one mile+ walk to the trailhead. Parking is strictly prohibited on private property that lines the trailhead access road. Ticketing and towing is enforced.

Castle Creek Road is winding and narrow in places. Anticipate the turnoff, and be considerate of cyclists sharing the road.

Information contained within ProTrails is to be used for recreational purposes and never intended to be a sole source of information for outdoor activities. Always call ahead to the local or federal governing authority to check weather and trail conditions before any outing. Be safe, be smart and always let someone know where you are going and when you're supposed to be back. Safety first!

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